Bye, Bye R-507A, R-404A and Others; EPA to Ban More 'Unacceptable' Refrigerants

 Contracting Business   July 16, 2014

http://contractingbusiness.com/refrigeration/bye-bye-r-507a-r-404a-and-others-epa-ban-more-unacceptable-refrigerants 

The list of refrigerants that refrigeration contractors have known as popular, efficient, and "forgiving," but that are now branded as "unacceptable" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grew by leaps and bounds on July 10, when EPA proposed to prohibit the use of certain chemicals that it says significantly contribute to climate change where what it describes as "safer, more climate-friendly alternatives" exist.
This is the agency’s second action aimed at reducing emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of "potent greenhouse gases," under President Obama's Climate Action Plan.

EPA says it estimates the ban will reduce greenhouse gases by up to 42 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2020, equal to the carbon dioxide emissions from the annual electricity use of more than five million homes.

“President Obama called on us to take action against potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Today, we are issuing a new proposal that builds on the innovative work businesses across the country have already made to reduce and replace some of the most harmful chemicals with safer, more climate-friendly alternatives that are available and on the market today,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “This action will not only result in significant reductions of harmful greenhouse gases, but it will also encourage businesses to continue bringing safer alternatives to market.”

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program evaluates substitute chemicals and technologies that are safe for the ozone layer. The proposed action would change the status of certain so-called "high-global warming potential (GWP) HFCs" that were previously listed as acceptable under the SNAP Program to be unacceptable in specific end-uses based on information showing that other alternatives are available for the same uses that pose lower risk overall to human health or the climate.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE LIST OF NEW UNACCEPTABLE REFRIGERANTS.
The HFCs and HFC-containing blends affected by today’s proposal are used in aerosols, motor vehicle air conditioning, retail food refrigeration and vending machines, and foam blowing.

Today’s proposal complements an earlier action EPA proposed to expand the list of climate-friendly alternatives for refrigeration and air conditioning under its SNAP Program.

The agency received input from industry, environmental groups and others through workshops and meetings over the past year on this proposal.

EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
In addition to more than a dozen automotive refrigerants and aerosol propellants, the new list includes:

• For new and retrofit retail food refrigeration (including stand-alone equipment, condensing units, direct supermarket systems, and indirect supermarket systems) and for new and retrofit vending machines, as of January 1, 2016: the HFC blends R-507A and R-404A are unacceptable.
• For new and retrofit retail food refrigeration (including direct supermarket systems and indirect supermarket systems), as of January 1, 2016: HFC-227ea, R-407B, R-421B, R-422A, R-422C, R-422D, R-428A, and R-434A are unacceptable.
• For new, stand-alone retail food refrigeration and new vending machines, as of January 1, 2016: HFC-134a and certain other HFC refrigerant blends are unacceptable.
• For all foam blowing end-uses, as of January 1, 2017, except where allowed under a narrowed use limit: HFC-134a and blends thereof are unacceptable; HFC-143a, HFC-245fa and HFC-365mfc and blends thereof, and the HFC blends Formacel B, and Formacel Z-6 are unacceptable in all foam blowing end-uses where they are currently listed as acceptable, except for spray foam applications; and the HFC blend Formacel TI is unacceptable in all foam blowing end-uses where it is currently listed as acceptable.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE LIST OF NEW UNACCEPTABLE REFRIGERANTS. 

DATCP Offers Buying Tips for Propane

July 17, 2014
http://datcp.wi.gov/news/?ID=1123

Media Contact: Jerad Albracht, Senior Communications Specialist, 608-224-5007 or Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020

MADISON – With summer in full swing, winter heating options are the last thing on the mind of most consumers. But energy experts are advising consumers to plan ahead for their propane needs this winter by looking at options now and buying early. To assist Wisconsin consumers, DATCP is offering a new fact sheet explaining propane options, including questions to ask when comparing offers.

“Propane suppliers offer a wide variety of pricing agreements and delivery options, and consumers are more likely to get a better price when they buy early,” said Sandy Chalmers, Administrator of Trade and Consumer Protection. “Research options, ask questions, and get everything in writing.”

The new DATCP fact sheet includes background on common delivery options and pricing structures to help consumers weigh their options when buying propane. It also includes key questions for the consumer to ask, aimed at allowing the consumer to compare contracts. Download the fact sheet from the DATCP website (http://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Consumer/pdf/PropaneConsumerTips500.pdf) or request a copy by mail by calling 1-800-422-7128.

“The propane contract sets the terms of the agreement between a propane marketer and a consumer, so make sure you read and understand the terms of the contract before you sign,” said Chalmers. “Pay special attention to provisions on added fees and surcharges and how credits and refunds will be applied.”

Other tips to consider include:

Pricing agreements. Budget plans, pre-pay plans, and fixed-price plans can offer consumers savings when compared to buying at market price. Knowing your tank size and your typical propane usage can help you get the best price and avoid over- or under-buying. If you use up your contracted amount before the end of the season, you may have to pay the market price for additional propane. If you overbuy, your retail marketer may credit your account for the following year, depending on the terms of your contract.

Delivery arrangements. Some retail marketers offer to deliver propane automatically to refill your tank. Others allow you to monitor your usage and call when you need a delivery. Make sure you know how much advance time your retail marketer needs to schedule a delivery.

Ask about fees and other charges. When you compare between retail marketers, don’t ask only about per-gallon cost. Retail marketers may charge a variety of add-on fees, including trip fees, after-hours delivery charges, weekend fees, partial fills and inspection fees. Those fees can have a major impact on your total out-of-pocket costs.

Get a signed and dated contract and keep copies of receipts for at least a year. No matter what kind of agreement you reach, a written contract sets out the rights and responsibilities of both the buyer and seller. Receipts are handy to have if there is a dispute between you and your propane supplier.

For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at datcp.wisconsin.gov, call the Consumer Information Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.

Link to .PDF version of full news release:  07.17.14_DATCPPropaneBuyingTips.pdf 

Ice Storage: A Cost-Efficient Way To Cool Commercial Buildings While Optimizing the Power Grid

When CALMAC CEO Mark MacCracken looks at a building, he sees thermal mass and air conditioning load, and – above all – an opportunity to vastly increase the efficiency of our national power grid. He sees the world of electricity production and consumption from an integrated, systems-thinking approach, and the potential for huge improvements.  Which is a blessing and a curse, because alongside the enormous potential, he also observes an impressively high level of old-school, status quo thinking that keeps us mired in uneconomical ways of running our power grid and cooling our buildings.

Duct Dynasty: Duct Sealing Side Effects You Need to Know

Take Caution When Sealing Up Undersized or Oversized Equipment

By David Richardson

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/127038-duct-sealing-side-effects-you-need-to-know

In many areas of the country, duct sealing and tightness testing is now mandated at local and state levels. This has brought about renewed interest in sealing existing duct systems among HVAC professionals as awareness increases.

While a properly sealed duct system can lead to improved IAQ, comfort, and possibly a reduced risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, is it possible that too much is being assumed for tight ducts to really be right ducts? Is there a possibility that duct sealing could negatively affect an HVAC system?

Cause and Effect